S-Class vs EQS
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2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
S-Class vs EQS
Can anyone give me some insight into the pros and cons when comparing these two cars? The tech on the EQS seems very impressive, but maybe it isn’t as comfortable or as well made as the S-Class?
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I’d also post the same exact thread under the EQS subforum.
On topics like these, you really really really need to hear from the actual “owners” of each car. W223 owners will be biased towards W223 ICE. Most but not all EQS owners will tell you EQS is better or just as good but it certainly has better drivetrain (EV will always win if the range is acceptable for your use). See which of these 2 groups has more relevant and convincing arguments; test drive both cars and preferably spend hours with each, and then decide.
If you ask me, I haven’t owned either, but spent hours in the EQS, and days accumulatively in the W223. If the EQS had the W223 exterior, I would buy the EQS. Knowing that this is not an option, W223 PHEV would be (or has always been) my preference between these two followed by EQS 580 Pinnacle trim, and then S580. The drivetrain in the EQS is awesome, and I have no issue with the interior (Cabin materials/quality isn’t perfect in either of them my view).
TLDR: My vote marginally goes to the W223 PHEV.
On topics like these, you really really really need to hear from the actual “owners” of each car. W223 owners will be biased towards W223 ICE. Most but not all EQS owners will tell you EQS is better or just as good but it certainly has better drivetrain (EV will always win if the range is acceptable for your use). See which of these 2 groups has more relevant and convincing arguments; test drive both cars and preferably spend hours with each, and then decide.
If you ask me, I haven’t owned either, but spent hours in the EQS, and days accumulatively in the W223. If the EQS had the W223 exterior, I would buy the EQS. Knowing that this is not an option, W223 PHEV would be (or has always been) my preference between these two followed by EQS 580 Pinnacle trim, and then S580. The drivetrain in the EQS is awesome, and I have no issue with the interior (Cabin materials/quality isn’t perfect in either of them my view).
TLDR: My vote marginally goes to the W223 PHEV.
Last edited by S_W222; Aug 28, 2025 at 12:16 AM.
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2024 S580
The EQS is not built to the same standard as the S Class, its more similar to an E Class. For me thats a big problem. Styling is also an issue and I prefer the more classic looks of the S Class. EQS rides and drives great and is a great EV powertrain.
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If you care about resale, I would run not walk from an EQS:
see:
see: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...us-production/
see:
see:
Mercedes Drops EQ Pricing Before Pausing U.S. Production
see: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...us-production/
The Mercedes EV sales disaster has the EQS depreciating over $80,000 in 3 years. What happened???
see:
Last edited by JTK44; Aug 28, 2025 at 05:37 PM.
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2024 EQE 500
The 223 will be more opulent on the inside. The EQS is a great example (other than looks for many) of a transition to EV's for Mercedes. That design and line is soon to be end of line. We'll see what they come up with next. You have to drive them both and make up your mind. For me, Nappa leather seats with massage, digital lights, plenty of power and most of all, one pedal driving makes the EQ line the choice for me. I would add, the Hyperscreen seems to be polarizing. If you like the traditional blend of wood and tech, the 223 will suit you better. If you might like the full digital dash experience, (It's been nice for me) then look at great deals on the EQS.
Last edited by teksurv; Aug 28, 2025 at 10:24 PM.
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After having several S Class sedans, I drove a new EQS450 Sedan and was quite underwhelmed. It felt much closer to an E Class than a real S Class. I never liked the exterior styling of the EQS Sedans and now with the pseudo S Class front end treatment, it looks like something out of a cartoon clip. Poor Mercedes-Benz! The misses just keep on coming.
As it turns out, after being a “NEVER AN EV” guy, when I got so fed up with the continued slide in MB quality, I test drove a BMW I7 and loved it. I got one and will probably never go back to an ICE vehicle again. Electric propulsion and large, ultra comfortable sedans were made for each other. If you are thinking EV, test drive the I7 and you will be blown away.
As it turns out, after being a “NEVER AN EV” guy, when I got so fed up with the continued slide in MB quality, I test drove a BMW I7 and loved it. I got one and will probably never go back to an ICE vehicle again. Electric propulsion and large, ultra comfortable sedans were made for each other. If you are thinking EV, test drive the I7 and you will be blown away.
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From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
CPO 22 S500 is around 60k - 70K range
CPO 22 EQS is around 30-40K range.
I suspect in 2-3 years S500 will be worth about 30-40K trade in.
EQS will be worth 20K.
If you do lot of city driving and have a home charger EQS.
If you do lot of hwy miles or use the back seat a lot than S class.
I'm also debating if I should return my EQS and get a CPO mint S500 or buyout my EQS.
CPO 22 EQS is around 30-40K range.
I suspect in 2-3 years S500 will be worth about 30-40K trade in.
EQS will be worth 20K.
If you do lot of city driving and have a home charger EQS.
If you do lot of hwy miles or use the back seat a lot than S class.
I'm also debating if I should return my EQS and get a CPO mint S500 or buyout my EQS.
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From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
After having several S Class sedans, I drove a new EQS450 Sedan and was quite underwhelmed. It felt much closer to an E Class than a real S Class. I never liked the exterior styling of the EQS Sedans and now with the pseudo S Class front end treatment, it looks like something out of a cartoon clip. Poor Mercedes-Benz! The misses just keep on coming.
As it turns out, after being a “NEVER AN EV” guy, when I got so fed up with the continued slide in MB quality, I test drove a BMW I7 and loved it. I got one and will probably never go back to an ICE vehicle again. Electric propulsion and large, ultra comfortable sedans were made for each other. If you are thinking EV, test drive the I7 and you will be blown away.
As it turns out, after being a “NEVER AN EV” guy, when I got so fed up with the continued slide in MB quality, I test drove a BMW I7 and loved it. I got one and will probably never go back to an ICE vehicle again. Electric propulsion and large, ultra comfortable sedans were made for each other. If you are thinking EV, test drive the I7 and you will be blown away.
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The I7 is impressive. I drove the i7 e50, 22 S580 and own a 23 EQS. I'd say the S580 was the best overall. I7 is better with quality, rear seat and tech than the EQS. EQS is more like a upper trim E-class than a S-class (So CLS?). However, incentives and price deductions make EQS a great deal. EQS has the softest ride out of the three for some reason and I think its too soft tbh;.
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However, I don’t think it is more comfy than the i7; I just don’t think there is any car in the world today that is more comfy than the i7, other than RR (maybe, as I don’t know for sure).
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2025 AMG G 63 SUV /// 2025 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4 Door Coupé
Both incredible cars in their own right. Built to the same quality as far as I’ve experienced. When it comes to EV’s I have two questions. What’s the charging infrastructure like in your country, and how’s the climate?
To answer my own question, terrible and horrific. Canada is massive and we simply don’t have the network in place to support EV’s, especially in the winter when you can expect to get 30-40% of the claimed range.
For me hybrid is the way. Even though my GT gets like 15km of electric, that’s all I need to get back and forth from work and back and forth from the shops. Then when the rest of Canada is calling there’s a big V8 to rely on. Surprisingly the E Performance models get great mileage in comfort mode.
Anyway, if you’re faced with the situation of an unreliable charging network, and have cold winters. I’d suggest the S580e. You get 80km of electric range and a powerful smooth straight 6 for when you need it. Combined you’re looking at 510HP and 553lb-ft, not too shabby!
If you’re not concerned about any of that the EQS is a well built car with catastrophic depreciation.
The ICE / Hybrid versions are very well built with market depreciation.
If you’re even further not concerned with any of that, try out a highly spec’d EQS, they’re pretty cool!!
To answer my own question, terrible and horrific. Canada is massive and we simply don’t have the network in place to support EV’s, especially in the winter when you can expect to get 30-40% of the claimed range.
For me hybrid is the way. Even though my GT gets like 15km of electric, that’s all I need to get back and forth from work and back and forth from the shops. Then when the rest of Canada is calling there’s a big V8 to rely on. Surprisingly the E Performance models get great mileage in comfort mode.
Anyway, if you’re faced with the situation of an unreliable charging network, and have cold winters. I’d suggest the S580e. You get 80km of electric range and a powerful smooth straight 6 for when you need it. Combined you’re looking at 510HP and 553lb-ft, not too shabby!
If you’re not concerned about any of that the EQS is a well built car with catastrophic depreciation.
The ICE / Hybrid versions are very well built with market depreciation.
If you’re even further not concerned with any of that, try out a highly spec’d EQS, they’re pretty cool!!
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What is your basis for this claim? I would say that the hyperscreen is a step up from the S580 dash and with the upgraded leather there is no difference in the seating material. I don't see the extra legroom in the S580 as value added and the hatch is certainly more useful.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 30, 2025 at 02:43 PM.
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2024 S580
Hatch may be “more useful” but I want a sedan not a hatchback. This car is all about legroom, the space of the car is a huge reason why people buy an S Class.
Point is, the EQS is not an S Class, it’s an entirely different model that appeals to a different consumer. It’s not for me, if I wanted an EV flagship sedan I would choose the i7 every time. It truly is a peer to the S Class
Last edited by SW20S; Aug 30, 2025 at 02:49 PM.
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I think the EQS is definitely worth giving a chance.
You won’t get to any clear conclusion from forum discussions alone on a topic like this...the only way is to test drive the car yourself and spend enough time with it. The points mentioned above are a good checklist of things to pay attention to so you can decide whether you agree or not.
For me, the Hyperscreen and the EV drivetrain were compelling enough to give the EQS serious consideration on my end. I really liked the exterior look in all black and the larger wheels although it still looked like a PC mouse. In the end, those features alone were not enough for me to buy one, but if you’re comfortable with the styling, the EQS is a fantastic value and the car drives really well, especially when purchased certified (a lot of car for the money).
Keep an eye on the pinnacle trim. If you go for a car like this, I'd personally go for the higher end leather as well as pinnacle trim with all the features. For some reason there is almost a dozen of separate packages and options on this car. Pinnacle will get you most of them standard. Don't miss on the rear wheel steering experience too. I'd then drive a W223 right after the EQS. Good luck!
You won’t get to any clear conclusion from forum discussions alone on a topic like this...the only way is to test drive the car yourself and spend enough time with it. The points mentioned above are a good checklist of things to pay attention to so you can decide whether you agree or not.
For me, the Hyperscreen and the EV drivetrain were compelling enough to give the EQS serious consideration on my end. I really liked the exterior look in all black and the larger wheels although it still looked like a PC mouse. In the end, those features alone were not enough for me to buy one, but if you’re comfortable with the styling, the EQS is a fantastic value and the car drives really well, especially when purchased certified (a lot of car for the money).
Keep an eye on the pinnacle trim. If you go for a car like this, I'd personally go for the higher end leather as well as pinnacle trim with all the features. For some reason there is almost a dozen of separate packages and options on this car. Pinnacle will get you most of them standard. Don't miss on the rear wheel steering experience too. I'd then drive a W223 right after the EQS. Good luck!
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You can find easily find a pre-owned or certified EQS 450 or 350 in the 30s, even the SUV ones!
Imagine that a 2023 used Toyota highlander is priced higher than the EQS... and the Highlander would still sell faster!
Last edited by S_W222; Aug 30, 2025 at 05:21 PM.
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EQS leases are very good, heavily incentivized by MBFS. Even in the Pinnacle trim though the finishes inside aren't to the W223's level. Its just clearly designed to a lower tier standard and feels like the rest of the lineup, GLS/GLE E Class etc
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Never got to a point that am interested enough to negotiate a deal. I have no idea. Given the crazy depreciation, I'd guess that the lease offers are very attractive.
You can find easily find a pre-owned or certified EQS 450 or 350 in the 30s, even the SUV ones!
Imagine that a 2023 used Toyota highlander is priced higher than the EQS... and the Highlander would still sell faster!
You can find easily find a pre-owned or certified EQS 450 or 350 in the 30s, even the SUV ones!
Imagine that a 2023 used Toyota highlander is priced higher than the EQS... and the Highlander would still sell faster!
There is no getting around the fact that the resale value of the EQS is in the dumpster. This means the depreciation component of the lease will be quite high unless it is supported by Mercedes with an artificially high residual which might be possible.
But if the residual reflects the market then the EQS will lose 60% of its value in 36 months: Remember we are talking about a 2025 which is already 1 year old. Assuming a MSRP of $100,000, a 36 month lease, interest at only 3% and a $20,000 discount off of MSRP, (the $7,500 tax credits I believe as of 9/1 are history), residual of $40,000 (that means EQS losses only 60% of its value) the monthly payment before taxes and fees will be $1,267.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by JTK44; Aug 30, 2025 at 08:57 PM.
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This would be helpful for all who are considering leasing.
My experience was totally different: I went to lease a 2026 E450 with MSRP of $77,970: the MF was .0032, 7.68%, mileage 7.5K per year, 48 months, residual 50%, dealer discount of 5% off of MSRP, monthly payments including NYS sales tax and all fees rolled into monthly, zero down, $1205 per month.
Looking forward to you posting details.
Last edited by JTK44; Aug 31, 2025 at 07:22 AM.
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Could you please give details including, model year, how much of a cost cap reduction you made, deposit, number of months, mileage and taxes.
This would be helpful for all who are considering leasing.
My experience was totally different: I went to lease a 2026 E450 with MSRP of $77,970: the MF was .0032, 7.68%, mileage 7.5K per year, 48 months, residual 50%, dealer discount of 5% off of MSRP, monthly payments including NYS sales tax and all fees rolled into monthly, zero down, $1205 per month.
Looking forward to you posting details.
This would be helpful for all who are considering leasing.
My experience was totally different: I went to lease a 2026 E450 with MSRP of $77,970: the MF was .0032, 7.68%, mileage 7.5K per year, 48 months, residual 50%, dealer discount of 5% off of MSRP, monthly payments including NYS sales tax and all fees rolled into monthly, zero down, $1205 per month.
Looking forward to you posting details.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 31, 2025 at 08:37 AM.
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I can vouch for SW20S lease figures. I could have leased a service loaner EQS580 in the $600s. Get on Leasehackr if you don't believe these numbers. There were similar leases with loyal discount and pull forwards that drove those lease amounts down to $300. These were one pays.
Can you post the details on the EQS580 loaner for $600 a month?
Thanks.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I can vouch for SW20S lease figures. I could have leased a service loaner EQS580 in the $600s. Get on Leasehackr if you don't believe these numbers. There were similar leases with loyal discount and pull forwards that drove those lease amounts down to $300. These were one pays. At that time MBFS had not adjusted the residuals for the current depreciation rates. Not usre you could put together those kinds of deals today.
Just my $.02.
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2024 S580
The EQS is a very slow selling car and dealers are grateful to have somebody that even wants one, very easy to negotiate a great deal on one. I don’t remember the specific numbers from the time because I didn’t seriously consider the car. But rebates from MBFS were over $30,000, plus the $15-20k off of the car negotiated out of the MSRP.
Last edited by SW20S; Aug 31, 2025 at 10:19 AM.
